1998 - 2004
Part of the ZURBRICK PAGES
A Poem by Mrs. Gordon A. ZURBRICK
(Edna NEAR) of Buffalo, NY,
after she lost 2 sons in World War II.
Published in the appendix
of The Congressional Record, 1945
Private Richard G. Zurbrick
Remarks of Hon. Gordon L. McDonough of California
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
MONDAY, JULY 9, 1945
Mr. McDONOUGH: Mr. Speaker, in The battle of Iwo Jima
a young marine 19 years of age was killed a half hour after landing on
the shore. Naturally, the loss of this young boy, who happened to be the
son of a cousin of mine, is a great loss to the family. His mother has
written a poem about him, and I ask unanimous consent, Mr. Speaker, that
the poem be printed in the Appendix of the RECORD.
The SPEAKER: Is there any objection to the request
of the gentleman from California?
There was no objection
(the poem referred to follows:)
OUR HERO
We had a boy named Richard
Who went away to fight,
For land and home and country,
And everything that's right.
So with a song in his heart
And a smile so serene,
He joined the outfit he loved best,
The United States Marines.
He'd write about his training
And everything he'd do.
But never once did he complain
Of the hardships he went through.
When finally he sailed away
To a far-off distant port.
Our hearts recoiled in sudden fear
For we knew that time was short.
But he'd always write, "Don't worry, Mom,
Cause I'm coming home someday.
When all this awful warfare
Is finished for always.
"I'll bring battle stripes and medals
For the whole wide world to see,
But please, don't worry Mom and Dad,
I'll make you proud of me."
So with his new division.
The valiant Fifth Marines,
He hit the beach on Iwo
And hardships unforeseen.
For the enemy was dug in well
Behind pillboxes made of steel,
And every motar that they fired
The marines were bound to feel.
But they fought for the mount and the airfields
And they won them, one by one
And they raised our Flag on the highest point
To show what they had done.
Yes the fighting was tough on Iwo
The boys called it "Eight miles of hell"
And our hearts and prayers went out to them
Who did their jobs so well.
Yes the battle for Iwo is over
And our hearts are filled with sorrow,
For the brave, young boy who sailed away
Will not return tomorrow.
Now a Gold Star hangs in our window
For the whole wide world to see
And though our hearts are heavy
We know he's as proud as can be.
He lies on that far-off island
And a little white cross bears his name,
And although he was only nineteen
He knew how to play the game
Mrs. Gordon A. Zurbrick (Edna Near)
Buffalo, N.Y.
Contributed by Richard A. Zurbrick of South Carolina, grandson
of Mrs. Gordon Zurbrick.